NEADS seeks full-time puppy raisers to help train future service dogs. Submitted photo

PRINCETON, Mass. – NEADS World Class Service Dogs is recruiting volunteer full-time and weekend puppy raisers in New England.

NEADS has ramped up its full-time puppy raiser program to meet the ever-growing demand for service dogs, according to a news release from the nonprofit organization.

NEADS plans to host two scheduled informational sessions on the program via Zoom at noon Saturday, Feb. 12, (sign up online at neads.org/event/ftr-2-12/) and at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16 (sign up at neads.org/event/ftr-2-16/). Register in advance using the links provided.

Full-time puppy raiser candidates must be willing and able to:

• Take service dogs in training into their homes and look after them for 12 to 16 months, working on critical socialization and basic obedience;

• physically manage a young and energetic dog;

• attend weekly training sessions with a NEADS trainer. Classes are held virtually, at the NEADS campus, and at locations mutually convenient to the raisers and trainers;

• care for the NEADS dog 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing a safe, healthy and loving environment (NEADS dogs can only be left alone for a maximum of two hours at a time as puppies and no longer than three to four hours as they get older);

• provide daily training, socialization, and physical exercising; and

• handle the puppy and teach them crate training, house training and other appropriate behaviors in the home.

Those who best qualify to become puppy raisers range from young families to couples to retirees to individuals. The candidates need to be able to devote time, energy, and love to successfully socialize and train a NEADS service dog in training. Socializing consists of following NEADS-outlined field trip levels to expose the dog to everyday life in public settings, including malls, restaurants, and grocery stores to familiarize with various sounds, sights and people.

Candidates are permitted to have other pets at home, but must determine if they are happy, relaxed and friendly towards people and other animals. NEADS dogs may also go to work with their puppy raisers, with the approval of their employers and NEADS.

An interested candidate begins the process by completing an application at tfaforms.com/4708625. If it’s a good fit, NEADS operations manager will be in touch to schedule a virtual orientation, which is followed by a home visit with NEADS staff prior to receiving the dog.

NEADS provides a “Service Dog in Training” vest, as well as all food, veterinary care, and flea, tick and heartworm medications for the duration of the dog’s training, at no cost.

For more information, visit neads.org.